Definition of Paraplegic

par-a-ple-gia
Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.

paraplegia
n paralysis distinguished by functional loss in the lower limbs and trunk typically due to vehicular or sporting accidents, gunshot wounds, and falls. Nontraumatic causes like spina bifida, neoplasms, or scoliosis can also cause paraplegia.

paraplegia
n a paralysis characterized by motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs and trunk. Such events occur as a result of automobile and motorcycle accidents, sporting accidents, falls, and gunshot wounds.

Word Origin and History

paraplegia
"paralysis of the lower half of the body," 1657, coined in Mod.L. from Ionic Gk. paraplegie "paralysis of one side of the body," from paraplessein "strike at the side," paraplessesthai "be stricken on one side," from para- "beside" + plessein "to strike" (see plague). The adj. paraplegic is attested from c.1822; the noun meaning "paraplegic person" is first recorded 1890. An earlier adj. form was paraplectic (1661).